Zheng Qinwen didn't voice any support for Iga Swiatek's strong comments about the WTA calendar as the Chinese tennis star pretty much said that playing tournaments was a part of their job.
In case you missed it, Swiatek once again harshly criticized the WTA calendar. But this time, the six-time Grand Slam champion went a step further and even told the WTA authorities that she will be willing to break some rules in the future unless they make changes to their mandatory tournaments policy. As per current rules, top players are mandated to play in all WTA 1000 tournaments, appear in at least six WTA 500 tournaments, as well as compete at the WTA Finals if they make it.
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On Monday, a total of five retirements were seen across the men's and women's events at the China Open in Beijing. Swiatek progressed after Camila Osorio retired from their match. Zheng also retired that day against Linda Noskova.
Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory... I think we have to be smart about it, not really, unfortunately, care about the rules and just think whats healthy for us. Yeah, its tough," Swiatek said when asked about the retirements in Beijing.
Zheng strongly responds to Swiatek's comments: The strongest players survive...
Zheng was asked if she had any thoughts on Swiatek's statement.
I mean, this is part of the games. As a professional player, I mean, this is what it is because we have to play that many tournament because there is in the calendar... But I dont think for professional player the calendar is too much because the strongest players survive, and thats the rules in my head," the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist responded.
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Meanwhile, Zheng admitted to reporters that returning from her elbow surgery in Beijing was "a rush decision," but also noted that she did it because she wanted to see where exactly she was with her elbow.
